Sikorsky S-6
Igor Sikorsky · Russia · first flew 1911 · light aircraft
The Sikorsky S-6 was a Russian single-engine experimental biplane, similar to the S-5, built in 1911 by Igor Sikorsky.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Fuselage later enclosed in wood veneer on the S-6-A |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Three-bay biplane
- Single Argus four-cylinder inline engine
- Fuselage later enclosed in wood veneer on the S-6-A
The first aircraft used a 100 hp Argus four-cylinder water-cooled inline engine. It carried a pilot and two passengers.
Specifications
- The Sikorsky S-6 has a length of 8.8 m (29 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.8 m (39 ft).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Construction of the first S-6 began in August 1911. Flight tests in late November were disappointing, with a long take-off run and poor climb, so Sikorsky lengthened the wingspan and reduced drag, calling it the S-6-A.
Variants
The S-6-A had a lengthened wingspan, an enclosed fuselage and no lower-wing ailerons. The S-6-B had strengthened landing gear and an engine starter operated from the cockpit. Five were built.
Where you'll see it
The S-6-A reached 113 km/h with three men on board, exceeding the world record of the time, and won the highest award at the 1912 Moscow Aviation Exhibition. The S-6-B won the international military competition at Saint Petersburg, announced on 30 September 1912, leading to an order for a few more.
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